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SPRINT FOR A SHIRT!

When the whistle sounds to bring today's match against Newcastle to an end, expect to see Jermain Defoe break into a little sprint!

When the whistle sounds to bring today's match against Newcastle to an end, expect to see Jermain Defoe break into a little sprint!

The meeting will mark the final time we will come up against former England captain Alan Shearer, with the Newcastle marksman bringing the curtain down on his playing career at the end of the season.

As a fully paid up member of the goalscorers' union, Jermain is unqualified in his respect for the only player to have netted a double century of Premier League goals.

"It is hard to put into words. For me, as a forward, Alan Shearer is someone I have always looked up to," said the little hitman. "I don't think I have got his shirt so I will be first to try and get it after the game.

"He is a legend at the end of the day - for club and country. He is a great guy and he will be missed."

His admiration for Shearer aside, Jermain insists the team will be travelling to St James' with the aim of bringing the full three points home with them.

"It is a massive game for us at Newcastle," he added. "They are a bit hot and cold at the moment, but they have had a few injuries.

"It will be a difficult game, but it is not a bad time to play them because we are flying and very confident at the moment. If we keep working hard for each other like we have been then hopefully we can achieve something special."